Subsonic and reduced velocity ammunition cartridges

摘要

Subsonic and reduced velocity rifle ammunition cartridges are disclosed. The ammunition cartridges can be fired through a standard rifle with a common twist rate at subsonic and reduced velocities. The subsonic ammunition uses propellant that is not typically used with the selected rifle cartridge. Cycling subsonic ammunition cycles the firing and loading mechanisms of fully automatic and semiautomatic weapons. Cycling subsonic ammunition cartridges contain slow burning propellant, such as cannon powder, and a heavy projectile with a long bearing surface. Non-cycling subsonic ammunition uses moderately fast burning pistol propellant. The projectiles are carefully selected to be stable at subsonic or reduced velocities and at the standard rifle twist rate for given cartridge caliber.